A meditation on community: celebrating April at Virginia Tech

As the difficult month of March comes to end, I’m reflecting on the challenging environment we who have been committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion find ourselves. The last few weeks have been gut-wrenching as we respond as an institution to our board of visitors and the current federal landscape. For me, it has been a season of sadness.

However, just as flowers and trees are blooming on campus with white, pink, and yellow blossoms, I am reminded of the cyclical nature of life. As something dies, something else is born. It is in that spirit that I approach the month of April.

April offers us the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the backgrounds, experiences, and contributions that shape our common environment. It is an occasion to celebrate the strength that comes from the people who make up our community, all of whom have unique stories and perspectives to contribute to our campus. Observances celebrating APIDA Heritage Month and Pride Week are opportunities for learning, understanding, and respect for everyone. Please visit their respective websites for more information.

APIDA Heritage Month

We acknowledge the important contributions of our Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American members whose rich cultures and histories established and continue to grow our institution. The APIDA + Center, through the work of Dr. Nina Ha and Teresa Wilson, M.A.Ed., has collaborated with campus partners to bring us a series of events to enhance awareness and cultural sharing in honor of APIDA Heritage Month 2025.

We observe this important heritage month early so that students and employees can participate to their fullest while still on campus for the spring semester. Events like the Inspire Series Undergraduate Student Panel and Pamplin Lunch & Learn provide beautiful opportunities for all members of the Virginia Tech community to engage in meaningful dialogue and learning with each other. We encourage all to join these events to elevate their awareness of the many APIDA perspectives that have contributed to the Virginia Tech identity.

On the Observance of Pride Week

Additionally, we recognize the work of the Virginia Tech LGBTQ+ community, whose presence and experiences diversify and energize our campus. The Pride Center, under the direction of Dr. Bing and Haleigh Wallace, has organized a host of events intended to promote understanding, support, awareness, and community-building. These events gave us the opportunity to learn about the history and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community and to foster a climate of respect and understanding. The Hokie & Proud weekend, hosted by the Ex Lapide Society this year on April 5-7, is a wonderful annual tradition that brings current students together with alumni to network and commemorate the lasting bonds that unite our community.

Gratitude to Our InclusiveVT Community

I am grateful to each and every member of our community who has a fierce and unwavering commitment to InclusiveVT. InclusiveVT, as both and individual and institutional commitment to our motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), provides an opportunity for each of us to reflect on how we live out that commitment. The activities and programs presented during the month of April provide a wonderful opportunity to come into community, to enhance our knowledge, to heighten our awareness, and to enrich the ties that bind us as a community. 

I hope many of you will make time to engage in the transformational programming hosted in our community and cultural centers.

April’s Moment of Reflection

I invite you to take a moment of quiet reflection. Consider a time when you learned something new about someone from a different background than your own. How did that experience shape your understanding of your community? What small step can you take this week to learn more about a culture or group you're less familiar with? Take a deep breath, and let that intention guide you.

Sincerely,
Menah